Torkham Trade Gateway Likely to Reopen Soon; Preparations Completed for Resumption of Cross-Border Commerce

TORKHAM: Prospects for the reopening of the Torkham trade gateway have brightened, with all necessary preparations finalized to resume bilateral trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

According to Customs sources, the Torkham terminal could reopen for cross-border trade as early as tomorrow. Customs personnel have already been deployed at the terminal, and scanners have been installed to expedite the clearance of cargo vehicles.

The Torkham border crossing has remained closed for the past nine days due to Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions, halting all trade activities. The closure has caused long queues of cargo trucks, with thousands of vehicles carrying import, export, and transit goods stranded on both sides.

Pakistan exports cement, medicines, textiles, fresh fruits, and vegetables to Afghanistan, while importing coal, soapstone, dry fruits, and other goods in return.

Customs officials report that daily bilateral trade through Torkham averages around PKR 850 million, including exports worth PKR 580 million and imports worth PKR 250 million. The trade activity contributes approximately PKR 50 million in daily revenue to Pakistan’s national treasury.